Bakers: Northern CA

Berkeley | Crixa Cakes. The case here is filled with tongue twisters like kolachy and bulochki, and intriguing names like Fatima’s Thighs—Eastern and Central European–inspired specialties that reflect owner Elizabeth Kloian’s own Russian and Hungarian heritage, many made from recipes in her collection of antique cookbooks. Our pick: One of the subtly sweet, yeasted saffron buns. 2748 Adeline St.; crixacakes.com

San Francisco | Craftsman and Wolves. In a former garage in the Mission District, pastry chef William Werner has opened one of the city’s most elegant patisseries. His cube cakes, stylish squares in flavors such as chocolate/caramel/Vietnamese cinnamon, are laid out like jewels in glass cases. Our pick: A Rebel Within, Werner’s signature savory sausage and green onion–studded muffin with a soft-cooked egg at its core. 746 Valencia St.; craftsman-wolves.com

(Pictured: Southern CA's Proof Bakery)